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Automotive Technician

Career Pathway for MC students enrolled in Jefferson Community and Technical College's Automotive Technology program.

Program Overview

 

This program provides a seamless pathway for students to obtain an Automotive Technician certificate with an optional Associate in Applied Science degree while receiving 100% paid tuition and employment at both UPS and a local automotive dealership. Students participating in this program will:

  • Work at UPS and attend JCTC automotive courses.
  • Receive hands on training and additional income working at a partner dealership.
  • Work with JCTC Faculty and MC staff to schedule an automotive work experience for 5- 10 hours a week during your time in the program. 

Course Offerings and Schedules

 

This is a two and half year program at Jefferson Community and Technical College and includes fall and spring enrollment. (Option to complete summer courses if pursuing associates degree). Students who are currently enrolled and have already completed some coursework in the JCTC Automotive Technician program are still eligible to participate in this program.

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN DEGREE TRACK COURSE OFFERINGS:
 

  • Basic Automotive Electricity & Basic Automotive Electricity Lab (5 credits)
  • Brake Systems and Lab (5 credits)
  • Suspension and Steering and Lab (5 credits)
  • Electrical Systems and Electrical Systems Lab (5 credits)
  • Engine Repair and Lab (5 credits)
  • Basic Fuel and Ignition Systems and Lab (5 credits)
  • Climate Control and Lab (5 credits)
  • Computer Control Systems and Diagnosis (5 credits)
  • Automatic Transmission/Transaxle (5 credits)
  • Manual Transitions and Lab (5 credits)
  • Optional to complete online General Education requirements

*Diploma requires co-operative experience 

**Degree does not require co-operative experience however it does require more general education courses

Below are examples of weekly schedules for participants:

Recommended schedules:

SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday

 

 

 

Off Work at UPS

 

Option for Co-Op

JCTC Coursework

4:30PM-10PM

JCTC Coursework

4:30PM-10PM

  Option for Co-Op

 

 

 

Off Work at UPS

 

Option for Co-Op

UPS

11pm -4am

UPS

11pm -4am

UPS

11pm-4am

UPS

11pm -4am

UPS

11pm -4am

                                                             OR
  

JCTC Coursework

4:30PM-10PM

JCTC Coursework

4:30PM-10PM

Option for Co-Op

UPS

11pm -4am

UPS

11pm -4am

UPS

11pm -4am

UPS

11pm -4am

UPS

11pm -4am

**Please note that class schedule options may vary, and the schedules provided above are intended as general recommendations. If you are considering alternative class schedules, we encourage you to consult with Stephen Frame during the scheduling process.

Program Benefits

Metropolitan College Benefits

  • 100% JCTC Tuition deferred. *
  • UPS hourly pay rate.
  • Employees, along with their spouses and dependents, receive health, dental, vision, prescription, and life insurance coverage after 9 months of employment. Employees also receive paid vacation and holidays after 1 year of employment.
  • Semester Bonuses of up to $500 (after taxes) with successful completion of 6 or more credit hours with a grade C or better.
  • Customized career coaching assistance to assist with interviewing skills and clarification of career goals.

Automotive Dealership Benefits

  • Dealerships will set hourly pay rate.
  • Work with JCTC faculty and MC staff to schedule an automotive work experience during your time in the program.
  • Access to free online manufacturer specific training and certifications.
  • Upon completion of program, student will be level 1 certified and have the opportunity to continue training to be level 3 certified with an earning potential of $100,000.
  • Dealerships will work with program participants to arrange for time off occasionally on the weekends so participants can spend time with family.
  • Tools provided. Tool Purchasing programs available as you progress in the program (to be determined by dealerships of choice). 

Benefits to participation in the Automotive Technician Career Pathway

  • Students gain a clear pathway from education to career, with guidance on the skills and certifications needed to succeed in the automotive industry.
  • Integration of classroom learning with real-world applications and industry standards ensures students are well-prepared for the workforce.
  • Building industry connections through networking and mentorship with local automotive businesses.
  • Students are better positioned for long-term success and upward mobility in the automotive industry.

*Tuition is paid at the undergraduate Kentucky resident rate. Must sign Metro College agreement before the deferment date

Enrollment Process

Step 1: Learn about the Automotive Technician Pathway 

Step 2: Apply to Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) and file a FAFSA

  • Apply to Jefferson Community and Technical College: jefferson.kctcs.edu/admissions
  • File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov with JCTC's school code: 006961
  • After you have received your acceptance notice from JCTC, reach out to JCTC Automotive Technician Program Coordinator Stephen Frame (stephen.frame@kctcs.edu) to help you get registered for courses in this program. Be sure to let Stephen know you are a perspective Metro College student and will need a schedule that fits the recommendations for this career pathway. 

Step 3: Apply and Get Hired by UPS

  • Go to UPSJobs.com/worldport and click on "Apply Now".
  • Apply 30-45 days prior to desired start date.
  • Applicants interested in this pathway need to work 1DA Hub positions.
  • Accept employment at UPS.

Step 4: Submit a Metro College Automotive Technician Interest Form

  • Once you have a biometrics appointment at UPS immediately submit this form.
  • Submitting this form starts the process of coordinating with UPS to identify employment in a work area that starts at 11:00pm.
  • While employment in an 11:00pm work area is not guaranteed, every effort will be made to accommodate employment for this program. 

Step 5: Once Accept employment at UPS and enrolled at JCTC

Step 6: Once you've completed all steps listed above and have accepted a position at a dealership:

Then you are ready to...

  • Begin employment at UPS.
  • Complete coursework in the JCTC Automotive Technician program.
  • Begin work at the partner dealership.

Program Eligibility

  • Students pursuing a diploma or certificate need a 16 ACT or higher.
  • Students pursuing an Associate of Science need to meet regular JCTC admission criteria of 16 ACT or higher.
  • Students must meet UPS hiring requirements.
  • Students must meet dealership hiring requirements. These requirements vary by dealership.

If you are currently employed at UPS, interested in this program but not working in an area with an 11:00pm start time please contact Andrew Hovekamp to coordinate with UPS to explore the feasibility of this program. 

Mentorship and Skills Building Opportunities

Recommended Technology Micro-Credentials

Metro College participants get free access to LinkedIn Learning this powerful learning platform! 

 

Course 

Description 

Objectives 

Strategic Negotiation 

Learn negotiation skills to help you get what you want while also building better relationships with coworkers, bosses, business partners, and suppliers. In this course, leadership consultant and trainer Mike Figliuolo shares simple yet effective negotiating skills and tools. He covers the four major phases of the negotiating cycle and explains how to assess your situation, gather data, negotiate a deal, and then assess and learn from your experience. He also explains common negotiating pitfalls and what you can do to avoid them. 

This course includes AI-powered Role Play. Role Play allows you to practice what you’ve learned in interactive simulations of real-world conversations. 

  • Select the best negotiation style and strategy. 

 

  • Determine the most favorable deal structure. 

 

  • Identify the most common negotiation pitfalls. 

 

Think Critically 

Think Critically to solve problems and create new ideas and solutions. Graduates will develop their thinking ability by evaluating assumptions and assessing information to make informed conclusions. They will also learn to think creatively by combining ideas in original ways or developing new ways of addressing issues. 

  • Describe how you can avoid biases in interactions with others. 

  • Explain how asking questions and analyzing information improve critical thinking. 

  • Identify the approaches that teams can take to help with decision-making and problem-solving. 

  • Recognize how teams can assess, problem solve, and implement solutions. 

  • List pitfalls to avoid when problem-solving. 

 

High Demand Career and Labor Market Info

After graduation, students have the opportunity to work for the dealership full-time as an Automotive Technician with an earning potential of $40,000-$100,000. Students will also have the opportunity to continue their education to increase certification levels while working full-time as an automotive technician.  

(NOTE: Students may complete on-line coursework throughout the week to obtain the Associate in Applied Science degree.) 
  

This program is for current or new MC students who are interested in starting the Automotive Technician program. If you are a current MC student enrolled in the Automotive Technician program, or a recent MC graduate, and you are interested in connecting with our partner employers, please contact Andrew Hovekamp, MC Student Success Counselor. 

  

Curious about Automotive Technician Pay in Kentucky? 
Explore current state wage data for Automotive Technicians using this ONET wage link. See what you can expect to earn in the field and plan your future with confidence! 

 

 

Contact

To learn more about this program, contact Andrew Hovekamp, MC Student Success Counselor. 

If you are an Automotive Dealership interested in participating in this partnership, please contact Andrew Hovekamp.